Chap 10: Gender Inequality

gender binary

the classification of sex and gender into two discrete, opposite, and nonoverlapping forms of masculine and feminine

gender nonconforming

identifying as a gender other than male or female, or not identifying with a particular gender at all

transgender

identifying as or expressing a gender identity that differs from a person’s sex at birth

intersectionality

a sociological perspective that holds that our multiple group memberships affect out lives in ways that are distinct from single group memberships. Ex, the experience of a Black woman may be distinct from that of a White woman or a Black man

sex

the biological and anatomical differences distinguishing females and males

gender

social expectation about behavior regarded as appropriate for the members of each sex. It refers not to physical attributes distinguishing men and women but to socially formed traits of masculinity and femininity

intersex

describes individuals possessing both male and female genitalia. Although statistically rare, this subpopulation is of great interest to gender scholars

gender identity

how individuals see and describe their own gender

cisgender

describes individuals whose gender identity matches their biological sex. Statistically common gender. It would include persons born female who identify as female and persons born male who identify as male

gender expression

how a person chooses to convey gender identity through behavior, voice, mannerisms, and other external characteristics

sexual orientation

an individual’s enduring emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to other people

sexual and gender minority (SGM)

the broad label applied to populations that include, but are not limited to, individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, transgender, queer, and/or intersex

gender role socialization

the learning of gender roles through social factors such as schooling, the media, and family

social construction of gender

the learning of gender roles through socialization and interaction with others

hegemonic masculinity

social norms dictating that men should be strong, self-reliant, and unemotional

biological essentialism

the view that differences between men and women are natural and inevitable consequences of the intrinsic biological natures of men and women

feminist theory

A sociological perspective that emphasizes the centrality of gender in analyzing the social world and particularly the uniqueness of the experience of women. There are many strands of feminist theory, but they all share the desire to explain gender inequality in society and to work to overcome it.

liberal feminism

The form of feminist theory that posits that gender inequality is produced by unequal access to civil rights and certain social resources, such as education and employment, based on sex. These types of feminists tend to seek solutions through changes in legislation that ensure that the rights of individuals are protected.

radical feminism

The form of feminist theory that posits that gender inequality is the result of male domination in all aspects of social and economic life.

patriarchy

The dominance of men over women. All known societies are———-, although there are variations in the degree and nature of the power that men exercise as compared with women. One of the prime objectives of women’s movements in modern societies is to combat existing ——— institutions.

Black feminism

A strand of feminist theory that highlights the multiple disadvantages of gender, class, and race that shape the experiences of non-White women. Black feminists reject the idea of a single, unified gender oppression that is experienced evenly by all women, and argue that early feminist analysis reflected the specific concerns of White, middle-class women.

transnational feminism

A branch of feminist theory that highlights the way that global processes—including colonialism, racism, and imperialism—shape gender relations and hierarchies.

postmodern feminism

The feminist perspective that challenges the idea of a unitary basis of identity and experience shared by all women. —————— reject the claim that a grand theory can explain the position of women in society, or that there is any single, universal essence or category of “woman.” Instead, postmodern feminism encourages the acceptance of many different standpoints as equally valid.

gender inequality

The inequality between men and women in terms of wealth, income, and status.

gender typing

Women holding occupations of lower status and pay, such as secretarial and retail positions, and men holding jobs of higher status and pay, such as managerial and professional positions.

glass ceiling

A promotion barrier that prevents a woman’s upward mobility within an organization.

sex segregation

The concentration of men and women in different occupations.

human capital theory

The argument that individuals make investments in their own “human capital” to increase their productivity and earnings.